Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott has confirmed that he will rest key players for Friday's trip to Hull FC in Super League.
The Rhinos will defend their Challenge Cup crown against Hull Kingston Rovers at Wembley Stadium on August 29.
Kallum Watkins, Joel Moon, Brett Delaney and Adam Cuthbertson are among the players who are expected to be given time off this weekend ahead of the team's trip to London.
"Of course I'm tempted and there's no apology for that," McDermott is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "There will be some players stood down this week.
"It's not like it's round five of the season. There are a lot of players who have played a lot of game time and physically they need that rest.
"It's the right thing to do regardless of the result on Friday night. I think I'd be resting some blokes anyway if we weren't in the Challenge Cup final."
Leeds have won their last five matches in all competitions.
Jack Prescott
